Humboldt County Department of Health & Human Services press release:
Two syringe disposal kiosks have been installed in Eureka, and a third is on
its way. The kiosks, purchased by the Humboldt County Department of
Health & Human Services (DHHS), are intended to provide a safe and
convenient location to dispose of used syringes.
The kiosks are located at the main Public Health and Social Services buildings
A third one is scheduled to be installed at the main Mental Health location
soon.
“The kiosks were purchased in response to community members and partner
organizations expressing concern about syringe litter, and asking for a place
to dispose of used needles,” said Dana Murguia, a senior program manager
with DHHS’s Healthy Communities Division.
The disposal bins are part of the department’s Syringe Services Program
(SSP), which provides needle exchange, information about overdose
prevention, referrals to treatment programs and other services.
“Syringe exchange is an important component of an SSP,” said Michele
Stephens, DHHS Public Health director. “It helps reduce the incidence of new
HIV and viral hepatitis infections by decreasing the number of people sharing
syringes and other injection equipment.”
DHHS Director Connie Beck said, “Needle exchange is a proven harm
reduction strategy which increases entry into treatment and reduces
overdose deaths. What we want to do now is make sure we’re reducing the
risk of harm to all county residents.”
Beck added, “The volume of needle litter in Eureka is unacceptable. DHHS
has been working with its partners to reduce it, and is committed to
continuing to do so.” She added that conversations about reducing needle
litter are taking place in other communities.
The new kiosks are located at 529 I St. and 929 Koster St. Small sharps
containers are available at each location’s front desk during normal business
hours.
Humboldt Waste Management Authority also accepts sharps in appropriate
containers and will dispose of them free of charge. For a list of drop-off
locations, visit www.hwma.net/disposal-services/medical-sharps.
People who find needles within Eureka city limits that they are unable to
collect or dispose of can report them to Eureka Police Department’s nonemergency
phone number at 707-441-4044.
For more information, contact Public Health at 707-445-6200.